Tourist Places to Visit in Shanghai, China
China

36 Wonderful Tourist Spots to Visit and Things to Do in Shanghai in 6 Days Trip

Mustafa Natalwala 5770 Views

Shanghai is a city in People’s Republic of China and is one of the 4 direct administered municipalities in the country. The city is a blend of ancient culture and modern marvels. You can see this reflected in many of the best places to visit in Shanghai. Many of the modern skyscrapers and public buildings show direct influence of traditional Chinese design elements. It is one of the most well known cities in the world and is a major international center for finance, business, politics, art, culture, science, tourism, manufacturing, fashion, design, architecture and sports. There are fun things to do in Shanghai concerning all these aspects.

Shanghai began its journey as a fishing village and then evolved into a market town. You can learn about the ancient history of the city at Shanghai tourist attractions like the Municipal History Museum, Urban Planning Exhibit, Old City Wall and Dajing ge Pavillion. The Municipal Museum has recreated an entire street which transport you to the bygone era. The city grew rapidly during the 19th century to owing to its port location which facilitated both domestic and international trade routes. This has resulted in development of many modern things to see in Shanghai. The city is home 3rd tallest building in the world: Shanghai Tower and also former contenders of the title including World Financial Center, Jin Mao Tower and Oriental Pearl TV Tower. Each of these buildings has a wonderful observation deck and skywalks for Shanghai sightseeing.

The city is also a major cultural hotspot. There are several fascinating things to see in Shanghai including art galleries, art museums, temples, gardens and circus. The temples and other historical buildings exhibit marvelous architecture. The museums and galleries are dedicated to regional art, ancient art, sculptures, posters, installations and so on. Though one of the most memorable Shanghai sights is the Circus World. The performances and special effects create a wonderful show that is state of the art but is still rooted in Chinese tradition.

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Top 36 Tourist Places to Visit in Shanghai in 6 Days (Trip Itinerary)

Day 1

1. Yu Garden (Yuyuan Garden)

This garden is reflected of the classic Ming Dynasty design. The garden features wonderful structures, ponds, sculptures, bridges, pagodas and more. It is one of the most peaceful Shanghai tourist attractions. You will need about an hour to explore this garden.

I suggest, You should book your ticket of Yu Garden in advance.

Yuyuan Garden

2. Huxingting Teahouse

This floating teahouse sits in the middle of a lake. It was built in 18th century and is known for its beautiful architecture. It is one of the best places to visit in Shanghai to experience the Chinese tea culture. You would need 30 to 45 minutes at this place.

Huxingting Teahouse

3. City God Temple

The temple was first built during the 1400s and is an excellent example of Taoist architecture. The temple is said to be the guardian of the city and its people. It is one of the most beautiful Shanghai attractions and will require about half an hour to explore.

City God Temple

4. Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center

This exhibition center showcases a 1/500 scale model of the city in the present. It also has another exhibition which showcase how the city would look like in the future. You can also see photographs from the city’s history at this place and enjoy films which take you tour of the city with an eagle eye view. You will need about an hour from Shanghai travel for this exhibition hall.

Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center

5. People’s Square & People’s Park

The public park and square is one of the main hobnobbing venues in the city. The park contains green spaces, museums, rides, water features, fountains and museums. Even within an hour you can enjoy a variety of fun activities in Shanghai at this park.

People’s Square

6. Jing’an Sculpture Park

This sculpture park contains several sculptures and art installations spread over 110 acres. It also displays some of the original sculptures from the World Expo 2010. You will need about 30 to 45 minutes from Shanghai sightseeing to explore this park.

Jing’an Sculpture Park

7. Nanjing Road

This road is popular for shopping, dining and entertainment. Shopping is one of the best things to do in Shanghai and this street can has a variety of stores to explore. You can easily spend an hour or so exploring it.

Nanjing Road

8. The Bund (Waitan)

This riverside promenade is great for leisurely evening strolls. The view of the city’s old and new buildings from this place is among the best things to see in Shanghai. You would need 30 to 45 minutes to explore for this promenade.

The Bund (Waitan)

9. Huangpu River Cruise

A river cruise is one of the best ways to explore the city. This one hour tour will introduce you the city and you will also get to mark out some of the top Shanghai sights amidst the skyline.

I suggest you should book an evening tour of Huangpu River Cruise.

Huangpu River Cruise

Day 2

1. Fuxing Park

This French style garden is visited for beautiful designs for gardens, sculptures, fountains and facade. It is also included among Shanghai famous places for being one of the top 10 parks of China. You will need about an hour to explore this place.

Fuxing Park

2. Propaganda Posters Art Center

This museum is dedicated to China’s communist propaganda posters and has over 6,000 pieces to exhibit. It is popular among Shanghai tourist spots with art, history and political enthusiasts. You will need 30 to 45 minutes for this museum.

I suggest you should try a Propaganda and History walking tour in Shanghai.

Propaganda Posters Art Center

3. Jing’an Temple

Also known as the Ancient Temple of Peace and Tranquility, this temple was moved to Jing’an district under the Song Dynasty in 1216. It is one of the most magnificent places to go in Shanghai and is especially famous for the huge statue of Lord Buddha carved from Jade. You will need an hour to tour this temple when you visit Shanghai.

Jing’an Temple

4. Jing’an Park

This park is situated right opposite the Jing’an Temple. The park has a sad history of being a cemetery which was destroyed during communist take-over in 1949. It is included among Shanghai historic tourist places and required 20 to 30 minutes of time to visit.

Jing’an Park

5. Jade Buddha Temple

This temple was established by Hui Gen for the jade statues of Buddha he had brought from Tibet. The temple is one of the most important cultural places to visit in Shanghai. You will need about an hour to tour this temple.

Jade Buddha Temple

6. 50 Moganshan Road

Also known as M50, this area used to be a textile mill. It has since been converted into a lively hub for modern art and street art. The district is among the most expressive and colorful Shanghai tourist attractions and will require an hour to explore.

50 Moganshan Road

7. Duolun Street

This is one of the most historic streets in the city and is well known for being home to several prominent political and cultural people of China. It is also included among Shanghai attractions for its beautiful architecture. You will need 30 to 45 minutes for this street.

Duolun Street

8. Shanghai Circus World

The Shanghai circus is fascinating for both its architecture and for the shows that take place within it. The performances and special effects are some of the most memorable things to see in Shanghai. You will need at least 2 hours time for this place.

I suggest you should book a ticket of Acrobatics Show at Shanghai Circus World in advance.

Shanghai Circus World

Day 3

1. Longhua Temple

This is the largest temple in the city and was first built in 242 A.D. It is a major highlight of Shanghai sightseeing for its 7 storey tall pagoda. You will need an hour for this temple.

Longhua Temple

2. China Art Museum

This museum is dedicated to the evolution and development of Chinese art. It showcases artworks from various periods in history and of different styles. With 27 exhibition halls, this is one of the largest museums you will come across during Shanghai travel. It will take you 2 hours at least to tour this museum.

China Art Museum

3. Lupu Bridge

This bridge is considered one of the finest works of modern architecture in the city. Earlier tourists were allowed to climb to the observation deck atop the bridge, but now you can only admire it from afar and you only need a few minutes for it.

Lupu Bridge

4. French Concession

This area is a piece of France tucked in between China. The colony was granted to French residents by the Chinese government. It is one of the most unusual Shanghai sights and will require 30 to 45 minutes to explore.

I suggest you should go for private walking tour at French Concession during day time and during night time you should go for Food Tour at French Concession.

French Concession

5. Xintiandi

This street is most well known for traditional shikumen houses which have been restored. It is also one of the best Shanghai famous places for shopping, dining and entertainment. You can easily spend 30 to 45 minutes exploring this street when you visit Shanghai.

Xintiandi

6. Wen Miao Temple

This is the only confucian temple in the city and has a history spanning 700 years. It was first built in 1294 by the Yuan Dynasty and is now the only remaining place to go in Shanghai to learn about teachings of Confucius. You will need 20 to 30 minutes for this temple.

Wen Miao Temple

7. Shanghai Old City Wall and Dajing Ge Pavilion

The wall was first constructed around Shanghai in 1553 under the rule of Ming Dynasty. Very few of the wall remain today. One of the most famous Shanghai tourist spots is the part of the wall bearing the names of emperors Xianfeng and Tongzhi. The pavilion used to stand where the restored watchtower of the old city wall stands today. It was a temple dedicated to Guan Yu, Taoist God of War. You will need 20 to 30 minutes to see the old city wall.

Shanghai Old City Wall and Dajing Ge Pavilion

8. Shanghai Museum

This museum is dedicated to ancient Chinese art. You will get to see art by Chinese minorities and foreign artists. It is also among best Shanghai tourist places to see historical artifacts such as bronze items, ceramics, sculptures, calligraphy and more. You will need at least 2 hours to explore this museum.

I suggest you should book a private tour of Shanghai Museum to learn more about ancient Chinese artwork.

Shanghai Museum

Day 4

1. World Financial Center

This skyscraper is one of the most well known landmarks of the city. It is the 5th tallest building in China and the 10th tallest in the world. The observation deck situated on the 100th floor offers great view of the city and the skywalk with transparent glass floors is one of the best things to do in Shanghai. You can easily spend an hour at this place.

World Financial Center

2. Jin Mao Tower

This is again one of the most iconic landmarks of the city, known for its amazing architecture. This building also has an observation deck at 88th floor and skywalk with glass floor. You will need 30 to 45 minutes for this building when you visit Shanghai.

I suggest you must book your ticket of Jin Mao Tower Observation Deck in advance.

Jin Mao Tower

3. Riverside Promenade

This promenade is part of Pudong district and sits on the opposite bank of the Bund. It is an ideal route to take for leisurely strolls and to see the city’s skyline. You can easily spend a few minutes at this promenade.

Riverside Promenade

4. Oriental Pearl TV Tower

This tower is the 6th tallest building in the world. It is included among Shanghai tourist attractions for its observation decks and revolving restaurants. You would need 30 to 45 minutes for this tower.

I suggest you should book your ticket of Oriental Pearl TV Tower in advance.

Oriental Pearl TV Tower

5. Shanghai Municipal History Museum

This museum is dedicated to the history of the city spanning 6,000 years. The museum has a variety of exhibits including artifacts, artworks, wax figures, documents, photographs, literature and more. The recreated old Shanghai street complete with stores and bars is one of the biggest highlight of this museum. You will need about 2 hours to tour this museum during Shanghai travel.

Shanghai Municipal History Museum

6. Ocean Aquarium

This aquarium has the longest underwater viewing tunnel in the world. You will come across a variety of marine life creatures while exploring this aquarium. It is among the best things to do in Shanghai for family tourists. You will need 2 hours or so for this place.

Ocean Aquarium

7. Jewish Refugees Museum

This museum is built inside a former synagogue and is dedicated to the Jewish people who took refuge in Shanghai during the second world war. You will need an hour to tour this museum.

I suggest you should book a tour of Jewish history in Shanghai and know more about Jewish Immigration to Shanghai.

Jewish Refugees Museum

Day 5

1. Shanghai Disneyland

This Disneyland is one of the largest amusement parks in China. Though typically designed like other disneylands, this iteration of the famous theme park has elements of the Chinese culture woven into it. It is one of the best places to go in Shanghai for families. You can easily spend an entire day exploring this park.

I suggest you should book a day pass for Disneyland with pick-up and drop-off service from Shanghai City.

Shanghai Disneyland

2. Shanghai Zoo

This zoo has more than 6000 animals from over 620 species. The biggest attraction of the zoo are tigers, giant panda bears, golden monkey and blossom peacock. You would need at least 2 hours from Shanghai travel to tour this zoo.

Shanghai Zoo

Day 6

1. Qibao Ancient Town

This town was built about a thousand years ago during the reign of Song Dynasty. It still retains much of its antique splendour and you truly feel transported back in time to ancient China. The town is pedestrian only and is built on the banks of a river. You can see quaint floating houses, stone bridges, canals and other elements of a traditional old Chinese town. It is one of the best places to visit in Shanghai to witness quintessential Chinese countryside. You will need 2 to 3 hours to explore this beautiful town.

I suggest you should book a private tour of Qibao Ancient Town.

Qibao Ancient Town

2. Zhujiajiao Ancient Watertown

Another relic of ancient China that has survived till modern times without losing its grace. This waterfront was founded in 330 A.D. You will get to see stone bridges, ancient houses, cottage rice and textile industry, traditional market place and several similar elements. You can enjoy a river cruise in an old style boat. Though of the best things to see in Shanghai is the Water Heaven show designed by Tan Dun. You will need 2 to 3 hours to experience this place.

I suggest you should book a private tour of Zhujiajiao Watertown with Boat Ride.

Zhujiajiao Ancient Watertown

If you are looking for more fun activities to do in Shanghai, check out the sections below. We have compiled an exhaustive list of places you can explore during your trip.

Things to do in Shanghai

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Shanghai

  1. Shanghai Museum
  2. Jade Budhha Temple
  3. Jing’an Temple
  4. Long Museum
  5. Shanghai Science & Technology Museum
  6. China Art Museum
  7. Longhua Temple
  8. Shanghai Natural History Museum
  9. Rockbund Art Museum
  10. Museum of Contemporary Art
  11. Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center
  12. West Bund Artistic Center
  13. Shanghai Historical Museum
  14. Shanghai Ancient Town
  15. Thames Town
  16. Qibao Ancient Town
  17. Shanghai History Museum
  18. Shanghai Museum of Glass
  19. Duolun Museum of Modern Art
  20. Aurora Art Museum
  21. Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum
  22. Powerlong Museum
  23. Shanghai Auto Museum
  24. Madame Tussauds Wax Museum
  25. Site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party
  26. St. Ignatius Cathedral
  27. Shanghai French Concession Needle
  28. Mao Zedong Former Residence
  29. Shanghai Gallery of Art
  30. Sun Yat Sen Former Residence
  31. Shangh Art Gallery
  32. Mcam Ming Contemporary Art Museum
  33. City God Temple

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Shanghai

  1. Chongming Island
  2. Gongqing Forest Park
  3. Dianshan Lake
  4. Dongping National Forest Park

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Shanghai

  1. Yu Garden
  2. Disneyland Park
  3. Shanghai Ocean Aquarium
  4. Shanghai Zoo
  5. Century Park
  6. Shanghai Wild Animal Park
  7. Fuxing Park
  8. Bund Sightseeing Tunnel
  9. Shanghai Botanical Gardens
  10. Zhongshan Park
  11. Shanghai New International Expo
  12. People’s Park
  13. National Convention & Exhibition Center
  14. Jinjiang Action Park
  15. China Pavilion
  16. Shanghai Circus World
  17. Chenshan Botanical Garden
  18. Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park
  19. Tianchen Theater
  20. Guyi Garden
  21. Gucun Park
  22. Changfeng Park
  23. Minhang Sports Park
  24. Dishui Hu
  25. Shanghai Film Park
  26. Enchanted Storybook Castle
  27. Jing’an Sculpture Park
  28. Changfeng Waterworld
  29. 1933 Old Millfun
  30. Shanghai Opera Theater

Shopping in Shanghai

  1. Shanghai Old Street
  2. Tianshan Tea City
  3. Tianzifang Market
  4. Jiannan Silk Shopping Center
  5. Nanjinglu Street
  6. The Bund
  7. Huaihai Road
  8. Yong’an Leisure Street
  9. Nanjing Road
  10. Huaihai Second Hand Goods Shopping Mall
  11. Super Brand Mall

Beaches & Islands in Shanghai

  1. Bihai Jinshan
  2. Song Ianshan Beach
  3. Bihai Jinsha
  4. Nanhuixincheng Beach

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure Activities to Do in Shanghai

  1. Nature trails
  2. River Cruise
  3. Water Sports
  4. Water Skiing
  5. Walking Tours
  6. Bicycle Tours

Sightseeing in Shanghai

  1. The Bund
  2. Riverfront Promenade
  3. Shanghai Tower
  4. Oriental Pearl TV Tower
  5. Shanghai World Financial Center
  6. Nanjinglu Street
  7. Jin Mao Tower
  8. Tianzifang
  9. People’s Square
  10. 50 Moganshan Road
  11. Huaihai Road
  12. Nanjing Road
  13. Waibaidu Bridge
  14. Bund Finance Center
  15. Wusong Jiang River
  16. Qibao Old Street
  17. Wukang Road
  18. Changxing Island

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Shanghai

  1. Jia Jia Tang Bao
  2. Frank Shanghai
  3. The Glamour Bar
  4. Ars & Delecto
  5. Fuchun Xiaolong
  6. Canton 8
  7. Zhang Fired Bread Stick
  8. Lou Shang
  9. Linlongfang
  10. Ming Court
  11. Wagas
  12. Taian Table
  13. Dexing Hall
  14. Villa la Bec
  15. Bread etc.
  16. Yi Long Court
  17. Wanshouzhai
  18. Yong Fu
  19. Jamaica Blue Cafe
  20. Bar Rogue
  21. Tao Yuan Juan Can
  22. Fe He Hui

Where to Stay in Shanghai?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Shanghai. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Shanghai.

Luxurious Hotels

  1. Fairmont Peace Hotel
  2. Pudong Shangri-La, Shanghai
  3. The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong
  4. Wanda Reign on the Bund
  5. Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai
  6. Jing An Shangri-La, Shanghai
  7. The Langham Shanghai Xintiandi
  8. Kerry Hotel Pudong Shanghai
  9. InterContinental Shanghai Jing’An
  10. Le Méridien Shanghai, Minhang
  11. Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund
  12. The Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai

Mid-Range Hotels

  1. Pullman Shanghai Skyway Hotel
  2. The QUBE Hotel Shanghai Hongqiao
  3. Crowne Plaza Shanghai Pujiang, an IHG hotel
  4. Sunrise On The Bund Hotel
  5. Novotel Shanghai Hongqiao
  6. Pullman Shanghai South
  7. Novotel Shanghai Poseidon Hotel
  8. Radisson Collection Hotel, Hyland Shanghai
  9. The Yangtze Boutique Shanghai
  10. Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World
  11. The Kunlun Jing An
  12. Holiday Inn Shanghai Hongqiao West, an IHG hotel

Budget Hotels

  1. Pullman Shanghai Qingpu Excellence
  2. Cordis, Shanghai, Hongqiao
  3. Holiday Inn Express Shanghai Jinqiao Central, an IHG hotel
  4. Modena By Fraser Putuo Shanghai
  5. Courtyard by Marriott Shanghai Jiading
  6. Green Court Residence City Center Shanghai
  7. Ramada Plaza Pudong Shanghai
  8. Lee Gardens Hotel Shanghai
  9. GreenTree Inn Shanghai Zhongshan Hutai Business Hotel
  10. Royal International Hotel
  11. Campanile Shanghai Bund Hotel
  12. Shanghai Fish Inn Bund

TripAdvisor

Custom Tours Package in Shanghai

How to Reach Shanghai?

By Air

Shanghai is served by 2 airports: Pudong and Hongqiao. Collectively, these airports connect the city with several cities around the world including Moscow, Kuala Lumpur, Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Bangkok, Beijing, Frankfurt, Munich, London, Milan, Paris, Osaka, Tokyo, Delhi, Macau, Mauritius, Mumbai, Dallas, Seoul, Vienna, Hong Kong, Amsterdam, Bali, Dubai, Los Angeles, Madrid, Nagasaki, Saint Petersburg, Stockholm, Rome, Helsinki, Sydney and many more.

Both airports are connected to the city with high-speed trains. You can also get buses, shuttle buses, tour buses and cabs from the airport to visit Shanghai.

By Road

The are 4 railway stations in the city connecting to various cities in China. You can reach Shanghai by train from several major cities such as Beijing, Hong Kong, Danyang, Nanjing, Xiamen, Changzhou, Wuhan and so on. Shanghai is also connected to Lhasa in Tibet by train.

The bus network is quite widespread connecting to numerous cities in the country. If you are planning for Shanghai travel by road, you should head for routes G40, G42, G50 or G60.

By Water

You can get ferries from Osaka and Kobe in Japan to reach Shanghai.

Image Reference

Mustafa Natalwala

Mustafa is a content writer and digital marketing expert at WideWorldTrips.com His mainly interests are into travelling, photography, film-making

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